Community
13 August, 2026
New era for Mount Noorat to be unveiled
THE new viewing platform and shelter area atop Mount Noorat will officially be opened later this month following the chance for people to roll up their sleeves and make a difference at the iconic landmark.
A community planting day will be held on Sunday, August 30 from 10am to 12noon prior to the official opening of the upgrades which were completed earlier this year.
Mount Noorat Management Committee member Graham Arkinstall said the community planting day is being held as part of efforts to revegetate designated areas on the mount with Indigenous native species.
“We’ll be doing some planting in areas which have already been planted,” he said.
“We’ve got a couple of hundred trees that we want to pop up, all of which are largely replacements for trees which have died.
“We welcome people to come because we’re looking for any help we can get.
“People will have to remember it is on pretty steep and rough terrain so they’ll need to be active enough to be able to do that.
“Anyone who would like to volunteer will need to wear some pretty sturdy footwear and dress for the weather on the day.”
Mr Arkinstall said those who had volunteered in previous years have said how valuable it was to have the chance to play a part in protecting the biodiversity of one of the region’s most iconic landmarks.
“All those who have joined us in the past are really starting to see the benefits of their efforts,” he said.
“With the trees that we have planted now starting to become a bit more apparent as the years go on, it is a particularly rewarding activity.
“You get those rewards for many, many years to come.”
A light lunch will be provided following the community planting before the official unveiling of the new crater viewing platform and weather shelter.
The viewing platform features a metal wire perimeter surrounding a sprawling viewing platform to ensure views are not obstructed, in addition to bluestone seating.
The weather shelter, which is located around 50 metres from the viewing platform, features bluestone seating, metal roofing and large acrylic panels to ensure views can be maintained while those making a trek up the mount have a space to rest.
Mr Arkinstall encouraged all residents to come along on the day, even those who are unable to take part in the planting.
“If people can’t make it to the tree planting, I would really encourage everyone to come along for the opening of the two new facilities,” he said.
“They are absolutely fantastic additions to the reserve and for the users – for all the people who come to enjoy and appreciate what Mount Noorat offers.”
Lake Keilambete Ward councillor and Noorat local Geraldine Conheady invited everyone across the region to come and enjoy a morning on the much-loved community asset.
“The Mount Noorat Management Committee does a wonderful job preparing the mount for the enjoyment of visitors,” she said.
“The viewing platform and shelter are an important recent project that the committee has completed.
“We’re very pleased to invite the community to come and enjoy the official opening, and perhaps volunteer some time to help plant some trees in the morning.”
Mayor Kate Makin congratulated the volunteers on the committee for their efforts.
“The committee has done an incredible job over recent years, upgrading walking paths, seating and revegetation that provides habitat for native flora and fauna,” she said.
“Council has contributed $3000 to the tree planting through the Environment Support Grants Program and we encourage everyone to come along, get your hands a bit dirty and enjoy the beautiful natural environment.”